Duck Stamp Information for Hunters

what to know before you head into the field

Hunters have played an integral part in the effort to conserve America’s natural resources - best illustrated by the success of the Federal Duck Stamp Program. For nearly 85 years, by buying Duck Stamps, waterfowl hunters have supported the conservation of more than 5.7 million acres of strategic wetland habitat. Ninety-eight percent of the purchase price of the stamp goes directly to buy and lease wetland habitat on national wildlife refuges.

The Duck Stamp Program remains committed to this vital and productive partnership with the hunting community.
Hunters should know that . . .

• If you hunt migratory waterfowl and you are 16 years of age or older, you are required to purchase and carry a current Federal Duck Stamp or E-Stamp. Federal Duck Stamps are valid from July 1 through the following June 30.
• Duck Stamps can be purchased at a variety of locations, and online through the E-Stamp Program.
• A current, signed Federal Duck Stamp or E-Stamp is good in any state you hunt. There is no need to buy additional Federal Duck Stamps for each state; however, you must have appropriate state licenses and stamps for each state in which you hunt.
•Sign the front of your Duck Stamp in order for it to be valid. Remember—only you can use your Federal Duck Stamp - wildlife law enforcement personnel will compare your stamp to your hunting license to make sure they are both yours.
•If you bought an E-Stamp, you must carry your 45-day receipt with you at all times while hunting. Once the receipt has expired, you must carry your current, signed Federal Duck Stamp. (Your store purchase/credit card receipt is not valid as a duck stamp)
•If you bought an E-Stamp and you have not received your physical Duck Stamp after a few weeks, contact Amplex at duckstamp@amplex.com or 800/852-4897. Do not contact the Federal Duck Stamp Office.• If you lost your E-Stamp receipt, please contact the state agency from which you bought your E-Stamp. The Duck Stamp Office does not have any information about purchasers of E-Stamps.• No refunds will be given for lost or destroyed Federal Duck Stamps.
•Don’t forget to buy a hunting license and any required state conservation stamps from the state fish and wildlife agency in every state where you will be hunting.• A current Federal Duck Stamp also serves as a free admission into any national wildlife refuge that charges an entry fee.•We strongly encourage all waterfowl hunters to visit our Migratory Bird Program Hunting webpage and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's hunting website, where you will find useful information and links, from where you can buy a state hunting permit, to where you can go on the nearest national wildlife refuge to hunt.

Thank you for your continued support in providing wetland habitat for our nation’s wildlife resources! Have a safe, enjoyable and successful hunting season.